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Waco

A Survivor's Story

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Waco

Written by: David Thibodeau, Leon Whiteson, Aviva Layton
Narrated by: Robert Fass
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The basis of the celebrated Paramount Network miniseries starring Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch -- Waco is the critically-acclaimed, first person account of the siege by Branch Davidian survivor, David Thibodeau.

Twenty-five years ago, the FBI staged a deadly raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. Texas. David Thibodeau survived to tell the story.

When he first met the man who called himself David Koresh, David Thibodeau was a drummer in a local a rock band. Though he had never been religious in the slightest, Thibodeau gradually became a follower and moved to the Branch Davidian compound in Waco. He remained there until April 19, 1993, when the compound was stormed and burned to the ground after a 51-day standoff with government authorities.

In this compelling account -- now with an updated epilogue that revisits remaining survivors--Thibodeau explores why so many people came to believe that Koresh was divinely inspired. We meet the men, women, and children of Mt. Carmel. We get inside the day-to-day life of the community. We also understand Thibodeau's brutally honest assessment of the United States government's actions. The result is a memoir that reads like a thriller, with each page taking us closer to the eventual inferno. Americas Historical Religious Studies United States Murder Crime Survival Government
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What the critics say

"An extraordinary account of one of the most shameful episodes in recent American history. I wish that everyone in the country could read this book."
—Howard Zinn
"This book gives a rare glimpse of life at Mount Carmel and an account of how that attack contrasts with the 'official' government version. With the renewed interest in this siege, this book is recommended for public libraries."
—School Library Journal
"This narrative defies many of our media-mediated preconceptions of Koresh's followers."
—Booklist
"Thibodeau, one of only four Branch Davidians to live through the Waco disaster and not be sentenced to jail, has produced a surprisingly balanced and honest account of his time as a Branch Davidian. Neither sensationalist nor defensive, this will make satisfying reading for anyone interested in the April 1993 tragedy."
—Kirkus Review
"A disquieting portrait of a religious community and its enigmatic leader."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Honest... [about] whether the excessive force used by our government against American citizens was really necessary."—Lincoln Star Journal
All stars
Most Relevant
a good overview, comprehensive and well read. riveting and engaging..keeps you hooked and returning. much

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This book is another confirmation that the mainstream media and government cannot be trusted. May the people of this massacre one day find justice.

Great book.

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This book really helps you understand the people of mount carmel and the overreach of the ATF and government officials during the standoff. Great narration and the prologue by David Thibodeau at the end was a welcome finish.

Slow at first but once you’re hooked…

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Regardless of what you think about the "crazy cult" or what crimes Koresh was guilty of - gassing and burning a 100 children to death is unbelievably grotesque. How no one in government went down for the greatest abuse of government power in recent memory is mind boggling. Incredibly well written and compelling book.

Unbelievable true story of gross Gov abuse

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